Associate Principal Scientist, Large Molecule Continuous Manufacturing Technologies

Job DescriptionPrincipal Scientist, Large Molecule Continuous Manufacturing TechnologiesThe Continuous & Expression Technologies (CET) Group within the Process R&D Enabling Technologies organization is seeking a highly-motivated and technology-focused scientific leader looking for opportunities to positively impact our Company's manufacturing platforms across therapeutic modalities with a special focus on Vaccine Process Development.Specifically, CET is seeking Scientists specializing in bioprocessing technologies for vaccine candidates encompassing adjuvants, virus-like particles, nucleic acid vaccines, conjugate vaccines, live/attenuated viruses, and other large biomolecules - at our site in West Point, PA.The CET group is tasked with identifying, developing, and deploying continuous manufacturing tools and methodologies aimed at improving production processes being developed for molecules in the company’s drug candidate pipeline. Knowledge of intensified unit operations such as multi-column chromatography, single-pass ultrafiltration and in-line diafiltration in addition to applied knowledge of hardware/software integration, process automation systems, and process analytical technologies (PAT) are valued skills within the group. The successful applicant will have demonstrated expertise in vaccine process development, whether upstream, downstream or both.As a member of the CET group’s leadership team, the chosen applicant will report to the group’s Senior Director and will focus on delivering technical innovation, both personally and through mentorship/leadership of others. The applicant will also assist in setting the scientific strategy of the CET group aligning with the mission of the larger Process R&D-Enabling Technologies organization. Leaders in CET are responsible for advancing a culture of scientific excellence, identifying emerging trends in continuous manufacturing and vaccine processing and defining the field through invention of novel tools. Leadership team members are also expected to play an active role in recruiting and developing the talent on our teams, and promoting collaborative research praised both internally and externally as exemplary of a multi-disciplinary research group.In particular, the chosen candidate will also play an important role in directing the preparation of disclosures to be used as the basis for patent applications, publications and external presentations and should possess an established track record of interaction with the international academic community. In addition to a passion for intensified bioprocessing technologies, the chosen candidate should also have excellent interpersonal, communication and collaboration skills and is expected to embrace and model our core values of diversity, equity and inclusion and foster a supportive culture where all can thrive.Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Partner with functional area project teams and subject matter experts to set strategy and priorities for technology innovation.

Provide scientific leadership to the West Point team, driving the design, execution, and documentation of experiments to develop novel technologies

Collaborate with stakeholders to implement novel technologies in the clinical and commercial spaces.

Contribute to the development of next generation vaccine manufacturing and process development platforms.

Integrate unit operations both physically and with relevant process control and monitoring platforms for concurrent operations.

Contribute to a safe and compliant laboratory work environment. 

Provide mentorship for a team of scientists and partner with the CET leadership team for their ongoing development.

Position Qualifications:Education Minimum Requirement:

BS, MS, or PhD in Chemical Engineering, biological sciences, microbiology or a related field.

Extended academic or industrial experience in a product, process or technology development area:

BS +8 years

MS +7 years

PhD +5 years

Required Experience and Skills:

Ability to independently prioritize, plan, and execute experimental workflows.

Experience in the preparative bioprocessing of proteins, adjuvants, viruses, virus-like particles, RNA and/or large biological molecules.

Technical background in bioprocess techniques such as chromatography and membrane operations, and common biochemical analytical techniques.

Well-developed organizational, record-keeping, and problem-solving skills.

Experience with large molecule biophysical properties, and general biological laboratory practices.

Proven written and verbal communication skills.

Demonstrated facilitative leadership and influencing skills.

Experience with engineering principles used in process development and process scale up/scale down.

Ability to develop and implement new methods/processes.

Experience, desire, and a track record of effective mentorship of less experienced scientists towards timebound goals.

Preferred Experience and Skills:

Experience with statistical data analysis tools and design of experiments.

Experience with continuous chromatography systems (e.g., AKTA-PCC, BioSMB).

Experience with single-pass tangential flow filtration and continuous in-line diafiltration.

Experience with sterile product manufacturing and aseptic technique.

Experience with colloidal systems and characterization of colloids including emulsions.

Experience with process and/or economic modeling.

NOTICE FOR INTERNAL APPLICANTSIn accordance with Managers' Policy - Job Posting and Employee Placement, all employees subject to this policy are required to have a minimum of twelve (12) months of service in current position prior to applying for open positions.If you have been offered a separation benefits package, but have not yet reached your separation date and are offered a position within the salary and geographical parameters as set forth in the Summary Plan Description (SPD) of your separation package, then you are no longer eligible for your separation benefits package. To discuss in more detail, please contact your HRBP or Talent Acquisition Advisor.Current Employees apply HERE (https://wd5.myworkday.com/msd/d/task/1422$6687.htmld)Current Contingent Workers apply HERE (https://wd5.myworkday.com/msd/d/task/1422$4020.htmld)US and Puerto Rico Residents Only:Our company is committed to inclusion, ensuring that candidates can engage in a hiring process that exhibits their true capabilities. Please click here (https://survey.sogosurvey.com/r/aCdfqL) if you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process.We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. For more information about personal rights under the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment laws, visit:EEOC Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2022-10/22-088EEOCKnowYourRights1020.pdf)EEOC GINA Supplement​Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination (https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/OFCCP/pdf/pay-transp%20EnglishformattedESQA508c.pdf)We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing diverse, talented, and committed people together. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when diverse ideas come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking and approach problems collectively.Learn more about your rights, including under California, Colorado and other US State Acts (https://www.msdprivacy.com/us/en/CCPA-notice/)U.S. Hybrid Work ModelEffective September 5, 2023, employees in office-based positions in the U.S. will be working a Hybrid work consisting of three total days on-site per week, Monday - Thursday, although the specific days may vary by site or organization, with Friday designated as a remote-working day, unless business critical tasks require an on-site presence.This Hybrid work model does not apply to, and daily in-person attendance is required for, field-based positions; facility-based, manufacturing-based, or research-based positions where the work to be performed is located at a Company site; positions covered by a collective-bargaining agreement (unless the agreement provides for hybrid work); or any other position for which the Company has determined the job requirements cannot be reasonably met working remotely. Please note, this Hybrid work model guidance also does not apply to roles that have been designated as “remote”.San Francisco Residents Only: We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment in compliance with the San Francisco Fair Chance OrdinanceLos Angeles Residents Only: We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring OrdinanceSearch Firm Representatives Please Read CarefullyMerck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company. No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails.Employee Status:RegularRelocation:DomesticVISA Sponsorship:NoTravel Requirements:10%Flexible Work Arrangements:Not ApplicableShift:Not IndicatedValid Driving License:NoHazardous Material(s):NAJob Posting End Date:10/28/2024A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.Requisition ID: R318803